Why babies throw food, and what helps

Why babies throw food

If your baby has started sweeping food off the tray and watching it land, you’re not doing anything wrong. There are a few common reasons, and often more than one at once.

They’re experimenting. The AAP describes babies from about 8 to 12 months as tiny scientists who “never tire of dropping, rolling, throwing” objects to see what happens. Food is just another object to test: does it bounce, splat or roll? Around this age babies are also learning that things still exist when they’re out of sight, so watching food disappear over the edge of the tray is fascinating.

They’re full, or done. Pushing food away is one of the signs the CDC lists that a child has had enough. A baby who was eating happily and then starts throwing is often telling you the meal is over.

They want your attention, or a say. The AAP notes that children often use the table as a stage for showing their independence. If throwing gets a big reaction, it can become a game worth repeating.

They’re tired, wound up or uncomfortable. The AAP says children who are anxious, excited or tired may have trouble settling down to eat, and the NHS suggests not leaving meals until your child is too hungry or tired. An uncomfortable seat can make it harder to sit still, too.

What helps

Sit with your baby and face them. The CDC suggests facing your child toward you or other family members, talking with them during meals, and limiting distractions like TV, phones and pets. Eating together also lets your baby copy you, which the NHS says is the best way for children to learn to eat new foods.

Serve small amounts. A few pieces at a time are easier for your baby to manage, and there’s less to throw. Add more when they’ve eaten what’s there. The NHS suggests small portions for young children.

Check the seat. Strap your baby into a high chair or booster seat (CDC). NHS children’s health teams say children eat best when they’re sitting comfortably and can reach their food, with feet resting on a footrest, floor or stool.

Stay calm, and say what you want to see. Instead of “Don’t throw that”, try “Food stays on the tray” or “Food stays on the table.” NHS children’s health teams suggest using positive language and talking about the behavior you’d like to see, rather than getting upset. A calm, boring response gives the game less reason to continue.

Give them a way to say “done”. Babies use hand movements and sounds to show they’re full (CDC). You can model a simple “all done” gesture or words at the end of each meal, and respond when they use it.

End the meal when it’s over. If your baby is throwing rather than eating, take the food away calmly and without comment, as the NHS suggests when a child rejects food. Offer food again at the next meal, or the next snack once your child is having snacks. The NHS says babies under 12 months don’t need snacks: offer an extra milk feed if they seem hungry between meals. The CDC says mealtimes can be as short as 10 to 15 minutes, or as long as your child can pay attention.

Let them decide how much. Your child doesn’t have to finish their plate (CDC). Don’t force or bribe them to eat, and don’t use food as a reward or punishment (AAP, CDC, NHS).

Expect mess, and plan for it. The AAP says most early meals end up on your baby’s face, hands and bib. A wipeable mat or old towel under the high chair makes cleanup easier (CDC).

Keep a regular rhythm. Serving meals (and, for toddlers, snacks) at about the same times each day means your child comes to the table hungry but not overtired (AAP, NHS).

By age

• 6 to 8 months: much of the food ends up on the tray, the bib and the floor while babies learn to pick it up and bring it to their mouth. That’s part of learning to eat.
• 8 to 12 months: dropping and throwing are a big part of how babies explore, as they learn how objects behave and that things still exist out of sight (AAP). Short meals and small amounts help most.
• 1 to 3 years: as toddlers grow, the AAP suggests a few simple mealtime rules, such as coming to the table with clean hands. NHS children’s health teams suggest talking about the behavior you’d like to see, and the NHS says to take food away calmly, without comment, if it’s rejected.

Safety while they eat

However messy it gets, stay with your baby for the whole meal. The CDC says to watch children at all times while they eat. Keep your baby sitting upright and strapped in, and don’t let them eat while walking around, even if they’d rather wander than sit. Serve food in safe sizes and shapes for their age: see safe food sizes and shapes and gagging vs. choking.

When to talk to your doctor

Throwing food on its own is rarely a worry. Talk to your pediatrician, GP or health visitor if your child (NHS, CDC):

• isn’t growing or gaining weight as expected, or is losing weight
• struggles to eat, chew or swallow food
• won’t eat any foods from one of the main food groups, or eats only a handful of foods
• seems uninterested in food most of the time
• is eating much less, or much more, than you’d expect, and you’re concerned

If you’re worried that your baby isn’t eating enough, see how much should my baby eat.

Where US and UK advice differs

The advice is very similar. One small difference is meal length: the CDC says meals can be as short as 10 to 15 minutes, or as long as your child pays attention, while NHS children’s health teams suggest allowing up to about 30 minutes so children have time to eat and feel full. Either way, follow your baby’s cues, and end the meal when they show you they’re done.